The second year of the biennium always moves quickly! Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles will be in the State House this week, giving legislators an update on their support of Vermonters Feeding Vermonters local food purchasing program in 2025.

We know that people in Vermont continue to struggle to afford basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. Together, we can prioritize neighbors’ needs to create the best outcomes for everyone in Vermont. And you can help. Below are the policy and funding priorities Vermont Foodbank is supporting this year, and ways you can get involved!

We will be in the State House requesting support from the legislature in two separate budget processes: the early-session Budget Adjustment process, used to adjust the current year’s budget based on actual state revenue, and the FY27 Budget process which makes decisions about the budget year from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.

Budget Adjustment Request for FY26

Vermont Foodbank is seeking $1.5 million in funds for the current fiscal year (FY26) as part of the Budget Adjustment process. This funding would add to the current appropriation of $500,000 to fully fund the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters program in FY26 (through June 30). The $1.5 million in funding will support direct purchases, grants to partners to work with smaller local farms, and culturally responsive food purchases.

FY27 Budget Request – Vermont Foodbank is seeking $5 million total appropriation to:

• Fully fund the Vermonters Feeding Vermonters Program ($2 million) to ensure neighbors can get fresh, local food while supporting the economic viability of local farms.
• Support Vermont Foodbank network food shelves and meal sites ($2 million) with food purchase and distribution to keep shelves stocked across the state.
• Support for Ready Response for food access in emergencies ($1 million) in collaboration with Vermont Emergency Management to address acute and ongoing food security needs of people impacted by an emergency or disaster.

Learn more about these requests in our detailed budget documents.

Food Security Roadmap Coalition Policy Slate

As a member of this coalition, we are working together on a robust policy slate that includes the following priorities:

• Vermont can Maximize Federal Funding with Strategic State Investments
• Fund the Land Access & Opportunity Board (LAOB)
• Support for Local Food Security, Vermont Farms, and Food Producers

Read the full Food Security Roadmap Coalition Policy Slate with details, the Roadmap goals and strategies they each relate to, and leads for each priority.

SAVE These 2026 Dates!

Vermont Foodbank Advocacy Dates

• Thursday, January 22 – Vermont Foodbank Coffee Hour (and also NEK Day), all are welcome to join us! Chat with legislators and share your personal experiences to help legislators understand why prioritizing food security and basic needs for all people in Vermont is critical at this moment. Register here.
• Thursday, February 5 – 3SquaresVT Awareness Day in the State House. Join us to show support for 3SquaresVT and educate legislators about why this program is critical for participants, farms, and food retailers, as federal threats seek to weaken it. There are many ways to participate: sign up here to get more information.

Food Security Partner Advocacy Dates

Can’t make it to one of the dates above? Our food security partners are hosting coffee hours throughout the session – join one, meet with your legislators, and let them know why food security is important to you and your community! Coffee hours are held from 8am to 9 am/9:30 am in the State House Cafeteria.

• Tuesday, January 13 – Farm to School and Early Childhood
• Tuesday, February 10 – NOFA-VT (food and farm security focused)
• Tuesday, March 17 – Child and Adult Care Food Program (led by Hunger Free VT)

More Ways to Get Involved

We are always looking for ways that partners, neighbors, and supporters can join us in this work. Consider how you would like to use your voice to support food security for everyone in Vermont:

• Share your story – personal stories are critical to decision makers understanding of the impacts of food security!
• Meet your legislator in your town – many legislators participate in Legislative Breakfasts, offer “coffee with constituents,” or are happy to answer an email. Find your legislators here and watch this short “Tell your Advocacy Story” training from the team at Action Circles!
• Testify at a Public Hearing – these hearings are intended to get public input on the budget. They are usually held in early February and offer virtual and in-person options for a 2-minute short testimony. Watch Foodbank volunteer Dean Leary in 2023 as he shares his short testimony about why supporting Vermont Foodbank’s funding request is important to him. If you’re interested, email me!
• Testify on Jan 22 or on Feb. 5 during our advocacy days! We welcome our network partners, farm partners, and neighbors with lived expertise to join us in sharing your important perspective with legislators! Let me know if you’re interested – we can offer training and support!

More Resources

VT Digger 2026 Vermont Legislative Session Starter Kit

Everything you need to engage with lawmakers in one story, with links!

State of Working Vermont 2025 Report

This report from the Public Assets Institute tells us familiar problems are still Vermont’s biggest challenges: the struggle to afford basic needs, unaffordable housing and healthcare costs, and growing wealth and income inequality; but it also calls on policymakers to think bigger and be bolder in their solutions.

I’m looking forward to doing this work together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

In gratitude,